Creating a budget is one of the first steps to financial independence. Planning out your expenses can keep you from overspending and allows you to see where the majority of your money is going. You can use our budgeting Excel spreadsheet below to get started on creating your month to month budget. Also, check out some of the articles below addressing whatever financial challenges you might face, whether you’re a college student or a parent to a college student.

• Budgeting Workshops
• Personal Monthly Budget Tracking Worksheet - Excel Spreadsheet
• Adventures in Education Online Interactive Budget Tool

Paper Budgeting Sheets

• Income and Expenses
• Budget Sheet
• 4 Step Budget Process

Personal Learning Opportunities

• Amarillo College Cash Course

Tracking and Reviewing Apps

• Easy Envelope Budget Aid
• Checkbook App
• Mint
• Expensify
• HomeBudget
• Dave Ramsey's Envelope System

Money Management PowerPoint

Download: Money management PowerPoint 

Informative Websites

• CNN Money - Money 101 -This is a step by step guide to gaining control of your financial life. It gives valid lessons with steps, quizzes and valuable information on how to manage your money efficiently.
   
• Reality Check - After high school you will need resources to help support your lifestyle. The Reality Check website is a great website to put all of that into perspective. It allows you to figure out your finances while choosing the career of your choice. Take time to go through the modules and see what to expect financially in the future.
   
• MyMoney.gov - MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are buying a home, balancing your checkbook or investing in your 401(k), the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you maximize your financial decisions.
   
• Get Sorted - This website has a lot of great tools and resources to get organized and start your financial journey. Find out the three simple steps to getting financially sorted: think, shrink and grow. Think ahead, shrink your debt, grow your savings.

Money Management Calculators

If you are looking for more complex information regarding money management, savings or budgeting, the following links are available to assist you with building a strong credit history.

• Bankrate Calculators
• Practical Money Skills Calculators

Articles for Students

• Money Management Begins at Home
• Setting Priorities

Articles for Parents

Teaching your child about financial responsibility is a great step in helping them become financially independent. The articles below are great resource to help you reach out to them.

• How to Teach Your Kids the Value of a Dollar
• Become a Money-Smart Parent
• Crash Financial Course for College Frosh
• Surprise! More College Costs

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